HISTORY OF GELATO

Throughout history, humans have tried to create the coldest and most refreshing desserts in our warm seasons, simply by using water, flavors and, if possible, ice or snow. There are many differing stories and beliefs about where gelato and ice cream originated from. Here are a few interesting theories...

• There is evidence that the Emperors of China indulged in frozen delights made from snow and ice flavoured with fruit, wine and honey, over 3000 years ago. King Tang of Shang is believed to have had over 90 'icemen' whose jobs were to create frozen desserts made of fermented buffalo and goat milk mixed with rice - the first frozen dairy dessert maybe?

• During the Roman Empire Emperor, Nero would send his team of slaves into the mountains to find snow which would be mixed with honey to form a sweet refreshing treat. He would also add spices, leaves and fruit, creating an early version of gelato.

• Marco Polo, the Italian explorer, discovered flavoured ices on his travels to the East and introduced it back to Europe where it was called "Sorbetto" and was instantly popular with wealthy folk.

• Some believe that gelato was created in Italy by Bernardo Buontalenti for Francesco de' Medici in 1565.

• Charles I of England claimed it was actually he who invented ice cream. During his English reign, his cook was sworn to secrecy and would not divulge the recipe until the death of Charles.

GELATO IN ITALY

Italy has long been considered throughout the world as the best place for ice cream. Many years ago, gelato was created in the far North by the people of Dolomite and in the far South by Sicilians. In Dolomite, the gelato was made with milk, eggs, sugar, cream and natural flavors. Snow was kept in underground storages during the Winter and when tourists visited Dolomite in the summer, the sale of gelato was a major source of income for its people. In the far South, gelato was lower in fat, water based, higher in sugar content and was called 'Sorbetto'.

As the years passed, recipes have changed and been refined and new techniques are used. The Italians, however, are still very passionate about their gelato and sorbettos. In Palermo, an ice-cream sandwich is often eaten on the run for breakfast. And in the markets, vendors slice buns in half and plop a scoop of gelato in the middle. In the summer months many gelato shops in Italy (gelaterie) stay open until 1 a.m. or even later.

INTERESTING ICE CREAM FACTS

• During World War II, pilots placed all the ingredients for ice cream in the tail gunners cockpit. By the time the pilot had landed, the freezing air and the planes vibration had made a delicious bowl of ice cream!

• The waffle cone can also be traced back hundreds of years. The first recording of cones being used for serving ice cream was made in a 1888 cookbook.

• Before the invention of the waffle cone, ice cream was either licked out of a small glass -- a 'penny lick' -- or taken away wrapped in paper which was called a "hokey pokey". "Hokey pokey" came from the Italian "ecco un poco" which means "here is a little".

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